Pomegranate Lime Chia Fresca Recipe

If you’ve never seen chia drinks in stores, you’re probably giving me the side-eye right now. (Well, as much as you can give a blogger the side-eye–I can’t see it, but I know it’s happening!) But really, this is a thing! The first time I saw a bottle of juice with chia seeds in it, I assumed that:

a) It would be disgusting.
b) I would choke on it.
c) It was hippie food.

Maybe the last one is true, but it’s not disgusting and I didn’t choke on it. When hydrated, the outer layer of chia seeds becomes gelatinous. This gel-like coating means that chia seeds go down easy so no, this isn’t like drinking a glass full of poppy seeds. Chia drinks (also called chia fresca or iskiate) kind of have the consistency of softened Jello, a bonus for me, since I don’t eat Jello. And in a drink, the seeds don’t really impart a flavor because you’re not chewing on them, so you taste the flavor of the juice and nothing more. Chia seeds are little nutritional dynamos too–they’re high in Omega-3s, antioxidants, and fiber and unlike other seeds, they don’t need to be ground in order to digest their nutrients. (Here’s more information about chia seeds, if you’re interested: Chia for Health.)

After trying my first chia drink, I quickly became hooked and began buying a bottle or two anytime I went shopping. But unfortunately, the bottled chia drinks are really expensive. After happening upon the bulk bin of chia seeds at Whole Foods and doing the math in my head, I realized that I would save a ton of money if I just made chia drinks myself. So that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.

I used pomegranate and lime juice in this chia fresca recipe, but any kind of juice you want to use is fine. You can also adjust the amount of chia seeds to your liking–I used a little bit less than you find in most bottled drinks. Basically, to make your own chia drink, you simply put a few tablespoons of seeds in a glass, pour juice on top, and wait for the seeds to form a gel. Super easy!

Ha! I forgot to mention that in my post. The whole Chia Pet thing put me off a little too at first. 🙂 But they don’t really have a taste if you drink them, it’s more a texture thing. If you don’t like the thought of drinking softened Jello, you might not like chia drinks!

Ahhh!! I have a packet of these sitting in my kitchen at home and thought they’d be sitting there forever. I got them for a running race I did last year and (I admit) thought they were hippie food! I’m def going to give this smoothie a try! Looks delicious!

We use chia seeds in smoothies, oatmeal or in baking. I haven’t mustered the courage to do something like this yet. I have a serious texture issue and once they gel up, I’m usually out. HA! But who knows, I may just give this a go!

I LOVE Chia!!!! I just picked up a bottle of Mamma Chia and it was awesome. I’d love to make my own. I have a big bag of chia seeds that I use in my overnight oatmeal. I’ll have to pick up some juice to try this with.

I actually made chia gel the night I found this post and then added it to some home made apple cider. I wanted to make this, but I forgot to pick up pomegranate juice. It’s on my list for this week! This looks awesome!

I’ve been meaning to try using chia seeds in green smoothies to boost up their nutritional value even more, but I hadn’t thought of just putting them in juice too – will have to give it a try whenever I remember to buy some chia seeds!

I guess these seeds are known as sabja in India. These seeds are known to have cooling properties and are widely used in summer. We use it in Falooda, which is kind of a thick shake, with vermicelli (made traditionally from cornstarch), flavourings, milk, ice cream and sabja. Its really popular. You can omit the vermicelli and try it out with rose syrup, or maybe sandalwood or saffron syrup.

I love rose syrup, but I’ve never had sandalwood or saffron syrup. I’m going to have to look for those next time I go to the Indian grocery store–I’m curious to try them, particularly sandalwood, which I didn’t know was edible!

Hi,
Yes, saffron syrup is very popular, you get it usually as a saffron-cardomon combo. Sandalwood, i also have seen only at high end gourmet stores. or niche restaurants in India. but its usually with water. i know of one recipe appearing on website tarladalal.com… maybe you can check it out

Yum! I wish we would’ve had this recipe for the summer months, but better late than never. It’s funny how chia looks so bizarre in drinks, yet tastes so very good! My kids love it in juice so will think this is amazing!

Julie

February 1, 2013 at 7:17 pm

Hey .. so what if it might be a hippie thing.. hippie foods are great! Anyway I was looking for a good chia seed fruit drink recipe and found it here! Can’t wait to try it. I actually love those drinks you find at the stores and wanted to make my own. Thank you!!